Given the intensity of the previous games in the three ongoing series, hockey enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling action on Wednesday night.
Monday`s contests featured an overtime finish in the Washington Capitals-Montreal Canadiens opener, another overtime battle in Game 2 between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, and a dramatic last-minute victory for the Los Angeles Kings in their game. These three matchups are set to continue on Wednesday:
- Canadiens at Capitals (Game 2)
- Stars at Avalanche (Game 3)
- Oilers at Kings (Game 2)
What are the key storylines to follow heading into these games? Which players should you keep an eye on?
Here are game previews including statistical insights, a summary of Tuesday night`s results, and the Three Stars as selected by Arda Öcal.
Matchup Notes
Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals
Game 2 (WSH leads 1-0)
Game 1 proved historic for Alex Ovechkin, who set a new record. At 39 years and 216 days old, his two goals and one assist meant he factored in on all three of the Capitals` goals, making him the oldest player in Stanley Cup playoff history to achieve this feat (with a minimum of three team goals).
Winning Game 1 bodes well for Washington, as teams taking the opening game in a best-of-seven series historically win the series 68% of the time.
However, the narrow margin and overtime finish highlighted the Canadiens` competitiveness. Montreal`s top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky was impactful, contributing both of the team`s goals. Rookie Lane Hutson also shined, assisting on both. Could these be the NHL`s next wave of young stars?
An injury update for Game 2 and beyond: Washington defenseman Martin Fehervary is out after undergoing knee surgery.
Dallas Stars at Colorado Avalanche
Game 3 (series tied 1-1)
After 77 minutes and 46 seconds of play, the Stars secured the Game 2 victory to even the series against their Central Division rivals. Game 3 offers the opportunity for either team to seize momentum. History favors the winner of this pivotal game: in 363 previous instances where a series was tied 1-1, the Game 3 winner went on to win the series 66% of the time.
For Colorado, Wednesday`s home game could potentially mark the return of captain Gabriel Landeskog to the lineup. He was activated from injured reserve on Monday but did not play in Game 2. Landeskog`s last game for the Avalanche was Game 6 of the 2022 Stanley Cup Final, where he famously skated the Cup after their championship win.
Dallas also has a key player nearing a return. Star defenseman Miro Heiskanen skated on Monday but remained out of the lineup for Game 2. Heiskanen`s potential return would significantly bolster the Stars, providing a challenge for Colorado. He led Dallas in time on ice this season and is a crucial part of their power play.
Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings
Game 2 (LA leads 1-0)
If Game 1`s high-scoring affair (11 goals) is any indication, this series could be a thrilling ride!
In their 6-5 Game 1 victory, the Kings achieved a rare feat, becoming the fourth team in Stanley Cup playoff history to overcome a four-goal deficit and win in regulation. The previous instances were the 2022 Calgary Flames, 1978 Boston Bruins, and 1972 Bruins.
Edmonton`s stars, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, continue to ascend the franchise`s playoff record books. Draisaitl`s 18th career playoff goal against the Kings tied Esa Tikkanen for the Oilers` franchise lead in playoff goals against Los Angeles. McDavid`s four-point performance moved him past Paul Coffey and Glenn Anderson on the Oilers` career list for four-point playoff games, placing him fifth overall.
Los Angeles will aim to maintain their power-play success from Game 1, where they scored twice with the man advantage. This contrasts sharply with their regular season performance against Edmonton (2-for-14) and their 0-for-12 power play showing in their 2024 playoff loss to the Oilers. Andrei Kuzmenko had an impressive playoff debut with a goal and two assists. Veterans Anze Kopitar (98 playoff games for L.A.) and Drew Doughty (96 playoff games for L.A.) each contributed an assist in Game 1.
Arda`s Three Stars from Tuesday Night
1. Matthew Tkachuk
LW, Florida Panthers
In his first game back after an injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off, Tkachuk scored two goals and added an assist, leading the Panthers to a decisive 6-2 victory in Game 1 of the highly anticipated “Battle of Florida.”
2. Matt Boldy, Kirill Kaprizov
LWs, Minnesota Wild
The dynamic duo of Wild forwards delivered an electric performance in Game 2, combining for five points. Their efforts propelled Minnesota to a 5-2 win, evening the series 1-1 before heading back to the Twin Cities.
3. Max Domi
C, Toronto Maple Leafs
Domi was the hero for the home crowd in Toronto, scoring the overtime game-winner against the Senators in Game 2. This victory gave the Maple Leafs their first 2-0 playoff series lead in 23 years.
Tuesday`s Scores
Carolina Hurricanes 3, New Jersey Devils 1
(CAR leads 2-0)
New Jersey started better than in Game 1, taking an early lead with Jesper Bratt`s goal. However, Carolina responded in the second period with goals from Shayne Gostisbehere and Jordan Martinook to take the lead, which they held before Seth Jarvis sealed the win with an empty-netter.
Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Ottawa Senators 2 (OT)
(TOR leads 2-0)
Toronto once again had a strong start, scoring two first-period goals via Morgan Rielly and John Tavares. This time, though, Ottawa fought back with goals from Brady Tkachuk and Adam Gaudette to force overtime. Max Domi ended the game just 3:09 into the extra frame, securing the win for the Leafs.
Florida Panthers 6, Tampa Bay Lightning 2
(FLA leads 1-0)
The “Battle of Florida” was the final first-round series to begin, and it did not disappoint for Panthers fans. Playing his first game since a lower-body injury, Matthew Tkachuk was dominant with two power-play goals and an assist on the final tally by Nate Schmidt, helping Florida secure a convincing 6-2 win.
Minnesota Wild 5, Vegas Golden Knights 2
(series tied 1-1)
After a tough loss in Game 1, the Wild responded strongly. Kirill Kaprizov displayed his offensive talent, assisting on Matt Boldy`s tone-setting first-period goal, scoring a skillful goal himself in the second, and adding an empty-netter to seal the 5-2 victory and tie the series.
